West Coast University in Dallas,Texas
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Hi everyone,
I was just accepted into BSN program at West Coast University in Dallas TX for fall 2012. Has anyone graduated from this school? If so, was your experience positive or negative? Are... Read More

May 16, '14

I graduate from the Dallas Campus in late August - my tuition was around $64k including all books, uniforms, ATI Platinum fees, NCLEX fee (1x), BLS & ACLS Certs. I transferred in most pre-reqs. I know it has gone up, but not to $100k. Remember that the cost of living is much higher in California than Texas.

I am not sure what "gimmicks" you are referring to? I did save money with my transfers from Community College but everything else is included in tuition. If you don't use the book voucher money, you get it back. I rented some of my books, so I saved indirectly this way as well.

Remember that WCU is a for profit business, so it will cost more. The other side of that is no wait list and no jumping through hoops to get in. There is a high expectation on graduates. I have seen many students fail, drop, repeat classes, so just because it is easier to get it, does not mean it is easy to graduate. Keep in mind that a for profit business is about money and they don't make this money without students and you don't get students without pass rates. Right now we are at a 100% pass rate, yes only 10 have taken it (we graduate students each 10 weeks - our first class graduated in January). This is not such a bad thing when you take everything into consideration.

I would love to see an apples to apples comparison of ALL costs associated with WCU and other accelerated or even traditional BSN programs in the area. I bet if you factor it all it, you will see it's really not as big of gap as you think.

If anyone would like to know more about the campus and how the classes work, please contact someone who has attended.

I'm in the middle of the nursing core right now. I got waitlisted for TWUs accelerated program and West Coast was my backup. At this point I would not recommend this school if you can get in elsewhere.
While I've liked almost all of my instructors, the administrators (except Dr. ********) are horrendous.
The cost is not cheap (I'm paying 64k) but it's about on point with Baylor, TWU, and TCU if you complete your prereqs elsewhere.
I work part time (20 hours a week) and never feel overwhelmed by my course work. However, I don't have kids or a spouse to worry about like many of my classmates.
I hate that they advertise as an "accelerated program" when in reality the quickest you can be finished is 2 years going year round. A true accelerated BSN program is 12-18 months year round.

Last edit by TheCommuter on May 25, '14
: Reason: Terms of Service (no names, please)

I'm in the middle of the nursing core right now. I got waitlisted for TWUs accelerated program and West Coast was my backup. At this point I would not recommend this school if you can get in elsewhere.
While I've liked almost all of my instructors, the administrators (except Dr. ********) are horrendous.
The cost is not cheap (I'm paying 64k) but it's about on point with Baylor, TWU, and TCU if you complete your prereqs elsewhere.
I work part time (20 hours a week) and never feel overwhelmed by my course work. However, I don't have kids or a spouse to worry about like many of my classmates.
I hate that they advertise as an "accelerated program" when in reality the quickest you can be finished is 2 years going year round. A true accelerated BSN program is 12-18 months year round.

Hi mlane11: Can you send me your email address via a private message? I would like to get your opinion on the program thus far.

May 29, '14

How you guys pay that much to be an RN is beyond me. I'd rather keep my pay check once I'm done. Yikes.

May 29, '14

Mine situation was a little different - this is a 2nd career for me. I am older so the waitlist was what made the decision for me. Time is money. To me it was the same amount as going to a state school and I would finish sooner since I was not going to take History, Gov't, Statistics, etc.

May 30, '14

I agree with you about the yrs that is correct if your not held back, and yes the cost! I also agree it is about the same with Baylor and TWU. However, wouldn't you say you have learned alot at WCU and the way the courses are set up? There are alot of us moving into the Nursing in the Fall could I get your input on classes?

May 30, '14

WCU is not for everyone - it's not a typical college environment or typical college learning style. You have to be very mature in the way you study and the way you process information. You are getting the same amount of info in 9 weeks as you get in 16 weeks in traditional school, so you must be dedicated with your study habits. There is a lot of "self-learning" with this schedule. Yes, I really do feel like that I am learning a lot. WCU is strict about releasing your paperwork to Austin to take your NCLEX, so they will make sure you are ready. I am more than happy to share info about classes. You can post here or email me direct at trenadamm@sbcglobal.net. I will be honest based on my experiences.

Jul 29, '14

What has been your experience at WCU?

Jul 29, '14

Are you pleased with the nursing education you are receiving at WCU?

Jul 29, '14

Yes, I feel like they have more than given me ample opportunity to learn and prepare for the NCLEX. They offer many resources on helping you find a job and there is a NSNA chapter and other campus activities as well.

Sep 21, '14

For anyone still following this post, I wanted to let you know that I successfully graduated on August 23rd. I start my new job at Methodist Dallas as an ED Nurse Intern tomorrow (9/22). I am scheduled to sit for my NCLEX on Nov 4th. I am currently working through the Virtual ATI program that the school provides after graduation to assist in prep for the NCLEX. If anyone has any questions, I am still happy to help however I can. trenadamm@sbcglobal.net.

For anyone still following this post, I wanted to let you know that I successfully graduated on August 23rd. I start my new job at Methodist Dallas as an ED Nurse Intern tomorrow (9/22). I am scheduled to sit for my NCLEX on Nov 4th. I am currently working through the Virtual ATI program that the school provides after graduation to assist in prep for the NCLEX. If anyone has any questions, I am still happy to help however I can. trenadamm@sbcglobal.net.

So happy for you!!! I just know you will pass the NCLEX and do well. I am planning to volunteer at Methodist soon so hope to meet you then.

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses

Jun 16, '15

Just to clarify you said classes are once a week for 5 hours correct? Is it possible to work a job in the medial field full time and still be able to pass this course? Thanks for your help!